Saint Michael’s is an international, English-speaking church in central Paris. We are a vibrant and growing
community of over 250 adults, children and young people.
Each Sunday people of many different nationalities and backgrounds come to our services of worship.
We also have a full programme of mid-week activities which help us to explore and grow in the Christian faith
and serve our communities and the wider world.
For more information on our vision and values, please see our website: www.saintmichaelsparis.org
Mission and Ministry Worker
with special responsibility for
Children and Families
Objectives of the post
1. To develop work with children (0 -11s) and their parents by:
- leading and developing the existing ministries of teaching and discipleship activities, pastoral
care and outreach.
- evaluating the work with children and families, and initiating strategies to develop its
potential.
- leading, training, recruiting and supporting volunteer teams of helpers and leaders.
2. To provide pastoral oversight and support for the team of volunteers who lead ministry with
young people (12-18s).
3. To resource wider mission and ministry by contributing talents, experience and energy to
another area of church life as appropriate to the post-holder's skills and gifts.
4. To contribute to the efficient running of the church’s operations by sharing in core duties of the
staff team, with focus on resourcing the main morning service at 11.00am.
Job description
Principal duties and responsibilities corresponding to the 4 objectives above are outlined overleaf.
NB: Since it is anticipated that areas (1), (2) and (4) will account for not more than 80% of the working
week, the post-holder will be involved in supporting and developing another key area of the church's mission
and ministry. This area will be assessed and agreed further to interview and according to the post-holder's
skills, gifts, experience and vocation.
1. Children and Families Work
[estimated proportion of work time: 50%]
• Build, coordinate and lead activities for children (0-11s) via weekly Sunday activities.
• Develop and lead special seasonal activities for children and families (e.g. mid-week half-term
and Holiday Clubs)
• Develop strategy and initiatives to strengthen the community of parents of younger children;
and to facilitate their own engagement in age-appropriate worship.
• Develop outreach to visiting groups, e.g. mid-week parents and toddler groups; Rainbows and Brownie
groups.
1
•
•
•
•
•
•
Lead, train and grow the teams of volunteer leaders and helpers for children and families
work.
Link with children and families ministries in other greater-Paris churches to explore joint initiatives,
as appropriate.
Safeguarding: ensure the church's safeguarding policy is implemented rigorously in the context of
work with children and families (including provision of information for parents and children;
interviewing leaders and helpers; ensuring necessary training is carried out; linking with the church's
safeguarding officer and attending meetings of the safeguarding team).
Prepare reports for the Chaplain and church Council on the Children and Families Ministry (and on
other areas of involvement, as appropriate).
Coordinate and lead the Planning Team for all-age family worship at 11h15 service (Ensemble).
Participate in the Steering Group meetings for 11.00 service.
2. Supporting ministry to young people (12-18s)
[10%]
In the academic year 2015/16, work with the church's young people will be led by a volunteer team. The
post-holder's role will be to:
• Support the volunteer team (e.g. through weekly prayer breakfast with the children's team on
Sunday mornings; regular meetings with the key volunteers/ leaders; invitation to team training days).
• Be the staff link-person with the network of youth workers in the greater-Paris area (Fusion Paris).
• Aim to get to know the young people who attend the church and have close links with the children’s
ministry via their siblings and/or parents.
3. Resourcing wider mission and ministry
[20%]
• Coordinate the weekly ministry to English-speaking au-pairs in Paris (the au pair café).
• Contribute to the development of one or more other ministries within the wider life of the church
(e.g. young adults, music and worship leading; IT; website; print and graphics). The area/s of focus
will be assessed and agreed according to the post-holder's skills, experience and vocation.
• Attending and helping to lead and resource corporate prayer meetings, away-days, church teaching
weekends, etc.
4. Core duties as a staff team member
[20%]
• Attend staff prayer meetings, weekly services meeting, and staff meetings.
• Prepare for and attend regular 'one-to-one' ministry reviews with the Chaplain.
• Cover for other staff as necessary and appropriate.
• Assist as required in the general day-to-day running of the Church Office, giving the support
necessary for its ministry (including some setting up and tidying up after meetings and services;
answering the telephone; greeting visitors; church opening and lock-up).
• Provide some administrative support for the 11.00am service.
• Perform other reasonable duties at the request of the Chaplain and Wardens.
Person Specification
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
A committed and enthusiastic Christian, with a commitment to biblical authority.
A significant level of personal maturity.
A qualification and/or demonstrable track record in effective ministry with children and families.
A good level of theological education and /or a clear ability to think theologically.
Good project management skills - ability to initiate, plan and execute projects and events, and to
evaluate outcomes.
Organised - punctual, and with good time management skills.
Writing ability, with high level of written English.
Motivated and energetic.
'Fluent' in computer and social media
A ‘people person’ with an engaging personality
2
•
•
A strong team player, with a strong commitment to building community.
A sense of humour.
Some fluency in French will be a key advantage, with a view to building relationships with bilingual families
and children, engaging in community outreach and mission - and generally enjoying life in Paris!
Terms and Conditions of service
Accountability - to the Chaplain, who manages and supports the post-holder.
Training: Regular opportunities will be given for reflection on ministry. Time will also be allowed for more
formal training at the post-holder’s request, funded, within reason, by the Church.
Accommodation: The church's studio apartment will be available for the post-holder on very favourable
terms. Otherwise, the post-holder will be responsible for finding their own accommodation.
Annual leave: 25 days per year, plus French public holidays (roughly 8 days per year).
Basic working week: Five days per week, including Sundays.
Contract: One year, renewable. It is desirable that the post-holder would anticipate staying for two years.
Health: Staff are covered by French Social Security and complementary medical insurance while they are in
France. A ‘fit for work’ certificate from an occupational physician is required.
Remuneration: Within range €20,000-€24,500 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications.
Staff also receive luncheon vouchers and reimbursement of expenses.
Other terms: Due to working visa constraints for France, we are unfortunately unable to consider
applications from non-EU citizens. Enhanced DBS will be required.
Application
Please send:
o A detailed CV/résumé, including full contact details (including their telephone number and e-mail
address) for two referees.
o In not more than 600-words, a summary of your Christian experience (e.g. you may wish to include
how and when you came to a living faith in Christ; what key events and experiences have been key
to developing your relationship with Jesus; what is helping to feed and sustain your discipleship
now?).
o A detailed covering letter explaining (with specific examples of your experience and
qualification) why you believe you are suited to fulfilling the objectives and responsibilities described
above.
Please address your application to:
The Revd Canon Alyson Lamb
Chaplain, Saint Michael’s Church
5, rue d’Aguesseau
75008 Paris, France EMAIL [email protected]
The closing date for applications is Tuesday 19 May 2015. Interviews will be held in Paris (with
reasonable travel expenses paid) on Sunday and Monday 7th-8th June 2015.
The post-holder will be expected to start in early September 2015.
3